By Allisson Paz
Brentwood High School
East Hampton High School sophomore Adrie Quinn is a driven and inquisitive writer with a deep passion for storytelling, writing and uncovering the truth.
“I see myself as a good person who always tries to do what’s right,” Adrie said. “I always want to know more and find the truth in everything.”
At just 15, Adrie has already begun creating a path toward journalism, showing a commitment to learning and using his voice to tell stories.
He has written articles for the two local newspapers, The East Hampton Star and the East Hampton Press. For his school journalism club, he has mostly covered campus happenings.
His work was recognized by Christine Sampson, the Star’s deputy managing editor and co-director of the Robert W. Greene Summer institute for High School Journalists at Stony Brook University.
“Christine Sampson actually reached out to me directly, asking if I wanted to participate and offering me a full scholarship,” Adrie said.
Adrie said he has been captivated by the power of words, whether it was through reading crime books or staying up late to watch interviews and documentaries.
“He is always curious and always wants to find the truth,” his mother, Margarette Doyle, said.
“January 6th actually sparked my interest in journalism,” Adrie said. “I remember watching the journalists on the ground reporting fearlessly, despite everything that was going on.”
Adrie said he finds inspiration in the way journalists could make sense of complex issues and connect with audiences across the world. That early fascination grew into a desire to inform and advocate for others through writing.
Adrie said one of his proudest moments was getting accepted into the Greene summer program.
“I feel like my love for journalism has kind of been recognized by someone, and I feel like this program can really help me in life,” he said. “I felt like this was an amazing opportunity for me. I also felt a bit nervous because I was going to be at a university with people I didn’t know, but that faded once I actually got to orientation.”
Adrie said he wants to learn more about video journalism because he’s really interested in hands-on skills like filming, editing videos, using cameras and microphones, and trying out software for editing audio and video. He’s also eager to learn how press conferences work.
“I feel like my love for journalism has kind of been recognized by someone, and I feel like this program can really help me in life,” he said.
– Adrie Quinn
He is especially drawn to research projects, where he can dig deep into a topic and put together complex information. “In a world filled with lies, misinformation and propaganda, I want journalism to be a light of truth to inform and describe, and not be a tool for control, but a tool of knowledge,” he said.
“Adrie is smart, very knowledgeable and is good at research,” his mother said.
The part of journalism that makes Adrie feel most alive is “interviewing people and seeing my work being published.”